Efficient automated translation of procedures in constraint-based language

Abstract

A method is provided for translating sets of constraint declarations to imperative code sequences based on defining an instantiatable object per set, inserting calls to a notification callback mechanism on state modification and defining calls in the constraint context as imperative code sequences that, in response to these callbacks, take actions to maintain these constraints. This notification and callback mechanism can also be employed in connection with external events, thereby providing for efficient implementation of event-sequenced imperative procedures in a constraint programming language.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to automatic translation of computer languages.BACKGROUND[0002]In the development of computer technology, various programming paradigms have been developed. Two of these paradigms are imperative programming and declarative programming. Imperative programming entails providing step by step imperative instructions (e.g., set a equal to 2, increment c, call procedure f( )) which are combined by a programmer to solve the problem of interest. Declarative programming entails providing top level information (e.g., a set of logical constraints to be enforced), which can often be specified in a manner that more transparently relates to the problem of interest. Imperative programming tends to provide improved execution performance, but imperative programs can be very complex and difficult to develop and maintain. Declarative programs tend to be relatively easy to develop and maintain, but declarative programming also tends to provide relative...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a way to incorporate declarative programming into an imperative framework, allowing for the efficient use of constraints. The invention also allows for automatic generation of imperative code to enforce constraints, without requiring the programmer to know which parts of the code will be affected. The invention also includes a notification-reactor construct that automatically generates imperative code to update data members subject to constraints. Overall, the invention improves the efficiency and ease of programming while also providing flexibility in constraint specification."

Problems solved by technology

In particular, when the declarative statement is in the same program unit and same context as the input being changed, as shown, then code to perform A can be automatically inserted by the compiler immediately after every line that alters X. However, there are troublesome conceptual aspects of this construct.

Therefore, such constructs have the potential to complicate software development.

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